Auto safety advocates claim that Kia and Hyundai vehicles could expose consumers to fires. Now, they are demanding a mass recall.
The Center for Auto Safety wants Hyundai and Kia to recall 2.9 million vehicles and SUVs. This followed reports showing that units caught on fire. The group said that, so far, at least 220 car owners filed complaints regarding fires since 2010. The group said there are other 200 complaints associated with melted wires and smoke also involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles.
Units that may present the issue include the 2011 through 2014 Kia Sorento, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe as well as the 2010 through 2015 Kia Souls.
The group wants automakers to investigate these fires, which do not occur when collisions happen. Advocates say they contacted the automakers asking for answers and yet, they continue to see reports of fires involving the vehicles coming up every single day.
Complaints show that the car fires happen while individuals are driving their vehicles, and not when they are involved in a crash or a minor collision.
Regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into this matter and added to their ongoing Hyundai and Kia engine failure investigation.
The automakers responded to reporters saying that their vehicles are safe and that their customers’ security is their priority.
Not The First Time For Hyundai And Kia
The automakers may be under scrutiny now because of these fires, but this wouldn’t be the first time the firms issue a recall.
Last year, the companies recalled over 1.2 million vehicles because of an engine problem.
Consumers who own the cars mentioned by the Center for Auto Safety should remain alert. If their vehicles present any issues, they should contact the NHTSA and the automakers to file complaints.
Because the investigations are ongoing, it could take some time before companies launch a recall. Until then, you should not ignore any issues that may arise. Especially because it could lead to accidents and injuries.
For more information on what advocates are saying about this issue, follow this link.
